Tuesday, January 12, 2016: Anchored off Grytviken, South Georgia

Weather Forecast: heavy rain; temperature approximately 39°F; fresh breeze NW 22 mph

After two days crossing the seas, learning about South Georgia island, getting re-decontaminated and attending every possible photography lecture, we arrive at Grytviken.

Grytviken is the whaling station made famous by Shackleton’s reunion with civilization after losing his ship to Antarctic pack ice in 1915. As the final resting place of Sir Ernest Shackleton, you toast the “Bring ‘Em Back Shack” at his gravesite in a small cemetery overlooking the bay. It is believed that the ashes of Frank Wild, Shackleton’s right hand man, have been placed along his grave. Frank Wild was in charge of the men left on Elephant Island for months while Shackleton went for help.

The museum, operated by Tim and Pauline Carr, explores the natural and whaling history of the island.

The day was wet and wild. It did not merely rain, it poured. Kneeling in the wet marsh, I attempted to cover my camera with my umbrella but that proved fruitless, as the winds were whipping everything around. So I prayed my camera was actually water-resistant and then I settled into photography heaven. A few of my favorites…

If it wasn’t for this seal pup I would have had time to make it to the Bring ‘Em Back Shack.